Book Discussion

[Jan in Virginia]

Hello, everyone! I wanted to try this method of commenting on our
book, The Sociopath Next Door.

I enjoyed the book, it was very illuminating about this type of
dangerous and insidious personality. I especially liked the early
chapters; the chapters that discussed the origins - psychological or
religious - of sociopathy interested me much less and I skimmed them.
Chapter Eight gave suggestions for dealing with sociopaths, which I
thought was really interesting. I especially agree with the rule: stay
away from them, avoid any contact with them.

I have dealt with a few individuals that I suspect were sociopaths,
and with both of them, I definitely wanted to get away from them.
They both seemed creepy, mean spirited, manipulative and excessively
controlling. Interestingly, one had dogs (although I don't necessarily
think he was attached to them) and the other I met at a horse barn,
but I concluded he didn't like horses much at all. So they can be
around animals, but not have any interest or attachment to them. Hmm.

The book has given me good, new information about sociopaths, and I
think one of the biggest benefits of reading it, is that I am more
aware that there are people like this, and I will be able to identify
them quicker in my mind, and not do the "oh, they're just weird"
dismissal that we all do. This book helps prevent me from being a bit
too mentally passive when I see weird behavior, or when (as Peanut
eloquently noted) they make you doubt your sense of reality. What a
great sum up sentence, Peanut! I also really enjoyed reading everyone
else's comments so far.

I have yet to give consideration to what Mugs said in the beginning -
how this may help us understand people who abuse animals. Will give
that more thought.

[Peanut]

Hi Jan,

I liked the book too (although it could have maybe used some more
editing). I always thought I understood what sociopaths were - I
thought of them mostly as murderers. I was surprised that other
'types' exist - ones that would never murder anyone (maybe because
they knew they'd be caught). I did not know of the ones that would
leach off of others to avoid exerting themselves, or attempt to
control others in petty ways, or control many people by running large
companies. It also surprised me that they really want pity - it's a
very useful tool for manipulating those of us with a conscience.

It really is useful to have a better way of identifying these people
so that I can avoid them!